The ultimate goal of Q-PorkChains is to develop pork products that satisfy the future demands of the European consumers. Price is predicted to have a smaller and smaller impact on the choice of pork, so a number of other aspects will be decisive factors. The scenario is that the way ahead is to produce pork and pork products of superior eating quality, which are convenient, wholesome and even health promoting from pigs treated in an acceptable manner, produced in a way that put minimal stress on the environment.
Salamis, sausages and ham
In more detail, the researchers of the project will come up with new products like safer carpaccio and enhanced pork, marinated with salt and water, as well as nutritionally improved sliced fermented sausages, cooked ham and emulsified meat products.
One of the aspects dealt with is to lower the amount of sodium and fat in the products. Also undigestable fibers i.e. inulin and bacteria or bacterial products will be tested for their ability to improve the wellness of the consumers. Safer pork and pork products will be investigated in agreement with the aspects of the ‘clean label’ concept, using minimal amount of preservatives to obtain an exact amount of safety.
The eating quality will be improved for instance by a thorough investigation into the connection between genes of the pigs and sensory traits of cooked loin and dry-cured ham.
The consumers choice
A new approach in the project is to use consumer and citizen analyses to ensure, that the new products developed will also be in demand. The objective is to develop new tools for innovation of pork-based products.
The purpose is to map and evaluate consumers and citizens’ attitudes towards pig production and pork consumption in general and use this knowledge as input for further development. When new products are developed, the mapping of consumer attitudes can also be used for marketing aspects.
A short review of research on consumer perception of pork quality can be seen here (click to open in pdf)
Read more about the modules relating to Product development and Consumers, citizens and the market